Robert Walter Skinner

Robert Walter Skinner July 4, 1939 ? September, 28, 2006 Services for Robert Walter Skinner, 67, of Longview will be 10 AM Tuesday, October 3, 2006 in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home with Dr. David Massey officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Park Cemetery. Mr. Skinner passed away Thursday night at his home. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Monday, October 2, 2006 at the funeral home. Born on the 4th of July, 1939, Robert Walter Skinner was a tireless husband, daddy, brother, uncle and friend to us. The youngest child of Austin Hillard and Violet Skinner lived more than 67 years. Robert is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pat, two sons and two daughters-in-law, Bobby and Tammy Skinner of Longview and Billy and Rachel Skinner of Houston. His grandchildren, Kelsey and Anna of Longview and Will and Cale of Houston made him smile until he passed into eternal life. One brother, Howard Skinner and wife Betty of Belton, Texas and a host of family and friends survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and one nephew. Robert grew up in Meridian, Mississippi and nearby Collinsville, Mississippi. He graduated from Collinsville High School in 1957. He worked for R.G. LeTourneau from 1957 to 1967, except for two years serving in the United States Army at Fort Riley, Kansas and Fort Carson, Colorado. From 1967 until his retirement in 1997, Robert worked as a Welder at Texas Eastman. God, home, family and friends made Robert?s life. He was a dedicated and faithful member and deacon of First Baptist Church Hallsville until the battle with cancer made attendance impossible. Robert will be missed by many. He always enjoyed being with his sons and others that came to his home or church. He liked to invite visitors to the family racecar shop and to stay for the next meal, whether it be breakfast, lunch or supper. For the past 25 years Robert truly enjoyed building and maintaining racecars with his son Bobby. Robert and his family gained countless friends at race tracks throughout Texas and Louisiana. Robert will be remembered for his honesty, kindness, and devotion to family and faith. The Skinner family deeply appreciates the incredible support and service from Hearts Way Hospice of North East Texas and the Longview Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, the Skinner family requests donations be made to Hearts Way Hospice of North East Texas, 1306 Pine Tree Rd., Longview, Texas 75604.

Robert Walter Skinner

July 4, 1939 - September 28, 2006